[luv2ski]

So I have a question for you guys: I know that having a teammate in the breakaway group that is there to work with you if you can get away from the peloton in high mountain stages like yesterday is important. Just what does the domestique provide to the GC contender? Drafting is not an issue on high mountain stages (yes, I know, it was very important in the valley yesterday b/c of the headwind) b/c they are moving so slowly. Is it for pacing? Psychological?

[Baynative]

There is a small bit of air draft and a huge effect of psychological draft to be with a mate on a climb. But, for a man in Voekler's position it is very similar to be staying with a group. (Except that today he is caught in no man's land). It's like having an imaginary rubber band on the back of the bike in fornt. When it stretches you have to use it to pull you back in. If it breaks, you continue to fall away and that tiny bit of air between you gets very hard to penetrate.

--- I can't believe Voekler is staying so near the gap all by himself. This will take a lot from him. AC and AS look very fit.

Frank is handcuffed. He want to get up there and help Andy, but would have to take Evans and Basso with him.

[Wyatt's Torch]

I’ve always heard that drafting on the mountain stages saves you 30% in energy expenditures. Lance’s domestiques were legendary on the mountain stages.